The Kano State Government has dismissed allegations by Buba Galadima accusing Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the Kano State Director of the Department of State Services of suppressing opposition voices, describing the claims as false, malicious and politically motivated.
At a press briefing on Friday, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, said the allegations lacked factual basis and were aimed at tarnishing the image of the governor and undermining public confidence in democratic institutions.
According to the commissioner, the claims resurfaced shortly after Galadima’s removal as Chairman of the Board of Kano State Polytechnic, a decision he said was taken strictly on administrative grounds related to performance and competence.
“The timing and tone of these allegations clearly reveal that they are driven by personal grievance and political bitterness rather than any genuine concern for democracy or civil liberties,” Waiya stated.
The government categorically denied ever directing security agencies to harass, intimidate or silence opposition figures, stressing that the administration of Yusuf remained firmly committed to the protection of fundamental rights, including freedom of expression, as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Waiya, however, noted that freedom of expression did not extend to defamation, incitement or the deliberate spread of falsehood capable of threatening public peace and order.
“No responsible government will fold its arms while individuals weaponise misinformation to incite tension or damage reputations,” he said.
He further emphasised that security agencies, including the DSS, operated strictly within the confines of the law and their constitutional mandates, adding that any lawful action taken by security operatives was based on credible complaints and due process, not political directives.
The state government also expressed concern over what it described as a growing trend of weaponised misinformation on social media, warning that deliberate attempts to destabilise the state through false narratives would not be tolerated.
Reaffirming the openness of the current administration, Waiya said Kano remained one of the most inclusive states in the country, where opposition figures operated freely, civic engagement thrived and the media functioned without hindrance.
“These realities stand in sharp contrast to the alarmist picture being painted by Mr. Galadima,” the commissioner added.
He maintained that the governor continued to enjoy widespread popularity across the state and had retained firm political control despite recent political realignments, noting that the administration’s focus remained on inclusive governance, accountability and respect for the rule of law.
“Kano State Government remains resolute in its commitment to democratic principles, peaceful coexistence, and the protection of the rights and dignity of all residents of the state,” the statement said.
